Jeffrey Brown from PBS NewsHour and cellist and humanitarian Yo-Yo Ma sit on stage in chairs having a discussion, microphones in hand. Large panels display scenic images of Purdue University, highlighting Purdue Convocations. The stage is simply decorated, with cords and a small table between them.

Convos Stories

The most inspiring arts and culture stories from Purdue Convocations.

Mavis Staples

October 10, 2016

Mavis Staples is Livin’ on a High Note

The Chicago native has had an incredible musical journey from a high school hit, to advancing the Civil Rights Movement with rallying anthems, and collaborating with modern artists.


A New Orleans jazz pianist in a dark shirt and khaki pants leans forward, playing an upright piano intently in a dimly lit room with brick walls, a framed mirror, and abstract art on the wall.

September 27, 2016

New Orleans jazz pianist, accompanied by Indy musicians, to perform Oct. 22 at Purdue

This New Orleans native and rising jazz-piano star, winner of the 2015 Cole Porter Fellowship in Jazz, will be joined by three of the hottest Indy players for a performance on October 22nd at Loeb Playhouse.


Dale and Jeanne Compton with National Theatre of Scotland

September 23, 2016

Jeanne Compton, supporter of the arts at Purdue, leaves a strong legacy

Jeanne Compton, who established a performance support endowment at Purdue Convocations, has passed. Her endowment supports artistic excellence at Purdue University.


Members of Shanghai Jingju Theatre Company dress Purdue students in Peking Opera costumes

September 23, 2016

An Introduction to Jingju with the Actors and Musicians of The Revenge of Prince Zi Dan

World Music and Chinese Language and Culture Students Participate in a Lecture and Demonstration on the Art of Jingju (Peking Opera)


L.A. Theatre Works, Susan Ablert Loewenberg, producing director presents: Judgment at Nuremburg

September 23, 2016

‘Judgment at Nuremberg’ to be presented Oct. 18-19 at Purdue

Commemorating the 75th anniversary of World War II, L.A. Theatre Works brings their courtroom drama, ‘Judgment at Nuremberg’, to Loeb Playhouse.


Scene from The Revenge of Prince Zi Dan

September 21, 2016

The Revenge of Prince Zi Dan Coming to Purdue

Shanghai Jingju Theatre Company (Peking Opera) brings reimagined telling of Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ to Purdue September 23 at 8 P.M. in Loeb Playhouse.


The Revenge of Prince Zi Dan program cover

September 20, 2016

Program: The Revenge of Prince Zi Dan

The Revenge of Prince Zi Dan – adapted from Zhu Sheng-Hao’s translation of Hamlet – by Shanghai Jingju Theatre Company, September 23, 2016, Loeb Playhouse


A group of theatre students stands in the audience section of a dimly lit theater, observing a tech rehearsal for "Dirty Dancing" as light shines from the stage where a few individuals are rehearsing.

September 20, 2016

Theatre Students Experience Unique & Formative “Dirty Dancing” Tech Rehearsal

The cast and crew of Dirty Dancing was in residency for a 2 week time period leading up to their performance on Purdue’s campus. During that time period, theater and dance students were able to participate in master classes and attend a tech rehearsal.


scene from Triplets of Belleville

September 15, 2016

Fast 4: The Triplets of Belleville

From former Disney animator, Sylvain Chomet, comes this Oscar-nominated film accompanied by live music.


Sunny Jain from Red Baraat during NPR Field Recording Session

September 13, 2016

Red Baraat Connects People Through Music

For Global Fest 2016, Red Baraat will lead the Opening Night Dance Party September 16. Watch how they connected people through music with an NPR Field Recording.


Purdue Dance Students with Dirty Dancing cast

September 9, 2016

Dirty Dancing Holds Residency at Purdue

Dirty Dancing opens its North American tour from Elliott Hall of Music on Saturday, September 10 at 8:00 PM. The production has been in residence at Purdue for two weeks as it prepares for the upcoming tour. As part of...
Children play with hula hoops in a gymnasium as an audience watches from the bleachers. Some kids are spinning or picking up hoops, while a man—reminiscent of Kevin Locke’s hoop dance leadership—guides the activity near the basketball hoop.

September 8, 2016

Kevin Locke visits South Newton Elementary

Students were eager audience members and hoop dancing participants in two school performances by Kevin Locke, a Lakota flute player and Hoop Dancer.